2021 Franschhoek Cabernet Sauvignon

Full bottle 1,352 g. From two home farm vineyards planted adjacent to one another rooted in deep alluvial soils in the valley. Slopes of decomposed granitic soils. Includes a small amount of Cabernet Franc. Organically farmed for the past 13 years. This particular vintage will be remembered for its small berries and notably diminished yields. Grapes were picked by hand then destemmed. The grapes underwent a cold maceration in tulip-shaped concrete vessels, and fermentation took place at temperatures of 27–30 °C, with frequent pumpovers to extract aromas, colour and tannins. After spontaneous alcoholic fermentation, a prolonged malolactic conversion occurred naturally in 225-litre barriques. The wine was matured on their OXOline system (where the barrels can be rotated for 22 months in 95% new light-toast, long-seasoned French oak from Sylvain and Saury. Deep crimson. Vibrant and deep aroma of blackcurrant and blackcurrant bud, the latter adding a delicate leafy freshness. Rich, powerful and obviously oaky on the palate but the depth of fruit can take it. Firm, smooth tannic texture, really smooth for such a young wine. Excellent fruit purity even if the chocolate-like notes of the oak are present on the finish. Surprisingly approachable now (though better with another year or two in the bottle) but should have a long life ahead. (JH)

Boekenhoutskloof’ s Franschhoek Cabernet Sauvignon is picked two weeks later than its Stellenbosch stable mate and is a fresher, more refined wine. Benefitting from the inclusion of 12% Cabernet Franc from the vines around the winery, it has aromas of graphite, violet and eucalyptus, palate-caressing, granular tannins and red berry and blackcurrant leaf flavours. 2024-35+

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Franschhoek, blended with 12% Cabernet Franc, is naturally fermented and aged over 22 months, 95% in French barriques. It has a more fruit-forward bouquet than its Stellenbosch counterpart: brambly red fruit, blood orange, hints of marmalade and tobacco. Quite exuberant with touches of menthol developing. The medium-bodied palate has succulent tannins, juicy and generous with black pepper-infused black fruit. Oddly, this is quite Syrah-like in style, a "fun" Cabernet, leaving the seriousness to the Stellenbosch Cabernet.